Capparis sandwichiana
Images by part: leaf (0) · flower (0) · fruit (0) · bark (0) · habit (2) · other (0)

Capparis sandwichiana

Maiapilo · Native Caper · Smooth caperbush

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
5
Observations
8

Description

Source: leafsnap

Capparis sandwichiana is a species of flowering plant in the Capparaceae family endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Common names include maiapilo, pua pilo, and Hawaiian caper. C. sandwichiana can be found on the main islands, Midway Atoll, the Pearl and Hermes Atoll, and Laysan. It inhabits coastal low shrublands and rocky shores at elevations from sea level to 325 feet (99 m). Maiapilo is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and is threatened by grazing, competition with invasive species, and habitat destruction.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Native caper comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest margins, which offer abundant light. It does best in full sun but can also endure partial sun, adapting well to a range of light conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

The native caper comes from tropical regions, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well-suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady temperature, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically cannot withstand cold conditions and needs warmer temperatures to grow; if the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Native caper is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Fertilizing improves foliage, stems, and branches and encourages large, vibrant, long-lasting flowers. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and strengthens the plant's health and resistance to disease.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Capparis
Family
Capparaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
49 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round

Tags (7)

Common Names (3)

en Maiapilo
en Native Caper
en Smooth caperbush